FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Professional Organizer?

A The main responsibility of a professional organizer is to work with people to get their home or business organized by creating processes and systems that are designed specifically for their needs. I will work with you in completing your tasks while simultaneously encouraging and educating you on the process of organizing. I do this by offering support and keep you focused on your goals.

Who can benefit from hiring a Professional Organizer?

A The simple answer is anyone who wants to be organized. The more complicated answer is when you ask yourself, “Is what I’m doing not working for me?” “Do I feel dysfunctional in my own home?” “Can there be a better way or an easier way to get things done?” Or if you have silently said to yourself, “I’m too embarrassed to have so-in-so over to the house.” “I wish (fill in the blank) looked better.” Or maybe your health is preventing you from returning your home to the way you want it to be. Or you are under time constraints and need help to complete the task right away. There are a myriad of reasons a person might need the services of a professional organizer. If you’re not sure if you need assistance, let’s talk. Give me a call at (586) 244-3071. I promise by the end of our conversation you’ll know if a Professional Organizer is the right answer for you.

What are the benefits to getting organized?

A Having an organized home gives you peace of mind. It reduces stress and embarrassment, gives you more personal time and makes life easier. For some people, it makes for a healthier and safer living situation. For other individuals, it allows them to continue living in their own home by arranging it to suit their unique physical or cognitive needs. And It can save you money because you won’t be re-buying items you already have (but cannot locate.)

Why should I hire a Professional Organizer when I can do it on my own?

A Not everyone is “naturally” organized. Not everyone has the time to get the job done. Not everyone has the stamina or physical ability to complete the work. You might work better when an outside source is “pushing you along” or maybe you have good intentions and start the job but then other demands in your life take over. Maybe you just like to work with someone instead of working alone. Whatever your personal reason is, I’m here to help.

How does the organizing process work?

A It all starts with a phone conversation. This conversation will give me a sense of your organizing needs. It will allow me to determine if I am the correct organizer for you. (If not, I’ll direct you to the type of organizer that best suits your needs.) This conversation will also introduce me to you. By the end of it you will know if As You Wish Organizing is right for you.

The second step is when I come to your home and discuss your unique needs. This usually takes between 1-3 hours. From the information you tell me, a plan of action will be drawn up. Once you have the written plan of action in your hand, you can decide if you want to do the work yourself or hire me to work with you.

How long will the process take?

A That depends on many factors; how big is your project, how quickly can you make decisions about your belongings? The small jobs may be completed in one session while larger projects may take several sessions over a number of weeks. Once I’ve had the opportunity to sit with and discuss the particulars of your project, I’ll provide you with an estimate of how long the job should last.

What resources do you offer clients?

A I bring with me the knowledge to identify and purchase the storage and organizing solutions that will best suit your unique needs. I’ve amassed a number of sites where to purchase these items. If at all possible, I will pass along to you any savings/coupons I may come across. I provide recycling and refuse sources for you to utilize, as well as reliable referrals for other business needs that you may have.

What if I am embarrassed about the mess at my home?

A This is a normal and quite common feeling. There is no reason to be embarrassed. Each of us has our moments of being messy and being disorganized is not the same as being dirty. Asking for help in fixing the problem is nothing to be embarrassed about either. I will be the one-and-only person in your home. Together we will make the problem go away for good. And you can rest assured that I will not tell anyone about my work with you. See the question below about my confidentially policy.

I’m concerned you’ll tell my neighbors or family or your family and friends how messy my home is. Is your work confidential?

A I would like to share with you three of the principles I follow in my work that are relevant to your question (taken from my Code of Ethics).

I will keep confidential all client information, both business and personal, including that which may be revealed by other organizers.

I will use proprietary client information only with the client’s permission.

I will keep client information confidential and not use it to benefit myself or my company, or reveal this information to others.

Do you make me throw all my stuff out?

A Absolutely not! These are your items and I have no claim over them. We will work together to identify your most valuable possessions and figure out ways to keep them within the space you have.

Do I need to be home during the sessions?

A It will be your choice. Some people want to be involved in the process, while others do not. The benefit of being involved will be the education you receive about the different systems available as well as how you can utilize them. For my clients who have physical limitations, being involved in the process can still happen except you’ll be more the “brains” and I’ll be more the “brawn.”

What should I do before you arrive?

A Absolutely nothing. It’s important that I see your house exactly like you see it every day. We will discuss what IS working and what IS NOT working for you. Only then can valuable suggestions be made.

What should I buy?

A Please have large trash bags available. These will be used for any donations or for items you want to discard. If you have the opportunity to collect boxes that would be a great help too. Boxes are for sorting items. After the purge process, suggestions on bins, baskets, containers, shelves, and the like will be made.

What if I have to cancel my appointment?

A I ask that you call me 24-hours in advance to cancel a scheduled appointment. A cancellation fee of $50 will be charged if you call less than 24-hours prior to a visit or if you are not there when I arrive. This fee will be waived if cancellation was due to a medical emergency requiring medical attention.

Contact us today for your next organizing project

What our customers say

“Terri Closs has been helping me downsize my belongings and organize what’s left. She is efficient, professional, and amazingly resourceful. And along with all that, Terri is very knowledgeable, kind, and considerate in the process. She makes it easy to go through and eliminate things I just don’t need anymore that are just cluttering up my home. I can’t think of anyone better suited to do what she does. I would highly recommend Terri to anyone who is moving, downsizing, or organizing.”

Mrs. J. J.Bruce Twp, MI

“Wow, what a difference walking into my office today. I have to say I never ever would have thought to do what you did. Now everyone likes my office and finds it relaxing.”